Communications volunteer volunteer roles

Amazing, giving, and inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role 

As a Regional Fundraising Volunteer, you will support Rethink Mental Illness in generating income, raising awareness, and building community engagement through local fundraising initiatives. The role will involve event planning and support, and public engagement to help achieve regional fundraising goals. 

You will play a major part in bringing to life regional fundraising activities in line with our “Rethink in the Community" concept and increase regional awareness to generate much needed additional income and amplify the impact of the work Rethink Mental Illness do.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. 

Regional locations

Whilst this is a home based role, you will occasionally attend events within your region. We're particularly interested in receiving applications from people who live in the following areas:

Yorkshire & Northeast: Newcastle, Gateshead, York, Sunderland

Northwest: Manchester, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent

Midlands: Birmingham, Solihull, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Walsall

Southwest: Gloucester, Bristol, Plymouth, North Devon, South Devon, Cornwall

East of England: Norfolk, Norwich, Ipswich

What you will be doing as a Regional Fundraising Volunteer: 

• Support and assist in organising and participating in local fundraising events.

• Help with event logistics, set-up, and participant engagement to ensure smooth delivery. 

• Take part in local initiatives acquiring donors and do it yourself fundraisers. 

• Increase awareness of the organisation’s work by helping to promote regional fundraising activity. 

• Represent the organisation at schools, community groups, and public events, delivering presentations to inspire support. 

• Communicate with supporters via phone, email, and face-to-face interactions. 

• Attend and contribute to meetings with the fundraising team and supporters to share updates and ideas. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?

You will have good knowledge of your local community and be passionate about making a difference to those severely affected by mental illness. You will also have:

• The ability to organise events and activities

• The ability to inspire and motivate others

• Good communication skills

• Creative ideas to promote diverse fundraising activities 

• Dedication to our cause 

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”     

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion   

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.   

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation   

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.   

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Activities Volunteer for the Vale Royal and West Cheshire Group. As our local group Activities Volunteer you’ll help us to set up activities in the area. Whether you’re serving refreshments, talking to people, registering attendees or collecting payments, you’ll be making sure everyone feel welcome.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills. Most importantly you’ll be supporting your local group to run activities that bring friendship and fun to your local MS Community. 

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need up to two hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the start up of a new charity that seeks to create a wide reaching operational activity that develops employment and volunteering opportunities that truly take in to account all neruodiversity and ensuring that people feel they are valued in their role as well as reducing working hours while not reducing salaries.

We are very much a new concept within the charity and business world, what we aim to do is not focus on just one business activity and force people to work within it but to grow along side our teams and develop new business opportunities based on the skill sets and abitions of our teams.

Below are the details of the general responsibilities of a trustee within Living Reasons and the 12 areas we wish to recruit trustees in so that we can start to develop the charity more and start the process of registering and ultimately launching the charity within the next 12 months.

Nonspecific trustee criteria (all trustees must meet this criteria)

1) Ability to understand how the charity works in the public interest and ensure that all activities the charity carries out always fulfil this requirement. Bringing in to question any activities that may not fall within the charity’s public interest obligation, to the other trustees.

2) Agree with and agree to always work within the charity’s governing document and within the law. Making sure that the charity always operates within the governing document and within the law.

3) Act within the charity’s best interests by agreement within the other trustees on the board and following all trustee processes including decision making and voting. Avoid conflicts of interest with the operation of the charity and bring any potential conflicts of interest, to the attention of the trustee board as soon as possible.

4) Manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used for the charity’s purpose, not take any inappropriate risks, do not over commit to the charity, taking special care when investing or barrowing and ensure the charity complies with any funding restrictions.

5) Always act with reasonable care and skill.

6) Ensure that the charity is always accountable, ensure that the charity is able to demonstrate it is compliant in law, well run and effective. Where responsibility has been delegated, trustees must ensure that the charity still remains accountable.

7) Must not be an undischarged bankrupt or be in an IVA.

8) Must not have any unspent convictions or be on the sex offenders register.

9) Must not be banned from being a company director or trustee.

All trustees will be required to attend 1 full board meeting every quarter which may be in person or over online video calling.

1 additional meeting annually that will also be at the same time as the annual general meeting must be attended.

There may be further meetings if you are on other committees or are voted on to the executive board of trustees (this is not mandatory and is a further voluntary commitment that you can nominate yourself for election).

We are looking for 12 trustees in total, once we have key trustee roles filled, we will then register the charity and move forward as we continue the recruitment process. The three main trustees we would like to have in place before registering the charity are: Operational, Financial and Income Generation. This does not mean we are not recruiting the other 9, we just won't register until after people with these skills have been recruited. Below are the twelve areas of knowldge we would like to gain trustees in. These cover all aspects of the activities the charity will carry out:.

1. Operational – overall knowledge of the day to operation of the organisation

2. Financial – an understanding financial planning and reporting

3. Creative & events

4. Research

5. Income generation

6. Education

7. Human Resources

8. Services

9.    Outreach (Social Media & Marketing)

10.     Legal

11.    Health

12.     Volunteering

This is a brand new idea and concept for a charity and business activity and requires a team that are forward thinking and are not restrained by previous ways of working, putting people at the heart of what we do, this is a charity that is supply a service for people who have struggled in the work environment as it is but will be directly generating the income for the charity as well, our service users will be our employees, trainees and volunteers and that needs to be seen as a positive move forward by anyone involved in the charity from day one.

If you would like to be part of a new and innovative way of working, please submit a CV and Cover Letter explaining which trustee role you would be interested in and why this role would be suitable for you. 

Jason, the person starting this charity has autism, ADHD, as well as mental health issues and physical conditions that are dibilitating and has spect 20 years in the charity retail industry and has loved his time working in them but has found it increasing more difficult to work in the environment due to, what he considers undue and unnecessary pressures that hinder rather than help the charity sector to reach its full potential and he feels that, key to changing this for the better is understanding the neurodiversity of humanity and catering for it in the workplace. This is how Living Reasons was developed as an idea and now he needs to find people to bring the idea to life. 

OVERVIEW – ANOTHER WAY

Another Way is a charity founded by Amy Bray in 2019, when she was 16. Another Way is an educational environment charity. We educate and influence those around us, inspiring all to live with kindness towards our planet. We are youth-led with a multi-generational appeal.

We are scaling fast, particularly as our Power of 10 app grows, extending our community of young changemakers. The Another Way charity team now requires support for the Board of Trustees.

ROLE HEADLINES

The clerk will play an administrative and procedural role, supporting the smooth and compliant operation of the charity’s governance and trustee meetings, a key member of the team.

Below are the details of the role and we invite applications that demonstrate experience in the areas outlined including both charity clerk and ideally familiarity with company secretarial duties. We envisage this voluntary role to require approximately two days per month/ 2-3 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative and Organisational Support:

• Managing the trustee board's administrative tasks.
• Ensuring efficient meeting organisation and record-keeping.

Governance and Compliance:

• In conjunction with our legal partner
• providing guidance on governance, constitutional, and procedural matters.
• Ensuring the board operates in compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Advising on the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Meeting Management:

• Convening and supporting meetings of the trustees.
• Taking minutes of trustee meetings.
• Dealing with trustee correspondence between meetings.

Other Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer.
• Ensuring the trustee body fulfils its responsibilities.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Strong personal commitment to the values and objectives of Another Way
• Demonstrable success managing charity governance and compliance
• Knowledge, or willingness to learn, of environmental issues and solutions
• Excellent communication abilities and organisational skills
• Knowledge of online systems such as Microsoft applications including OneDrive and Sharepoint. Also, other collaboration tools such as Slack or similar.

Please apply with a CV and a covering email summarising your experience and interest in the role.

At PAS we believe that everyone has the right to be treated fairly, properly and with respect. Prisoners can be ‘ out of sight, out of mind’, or considered to not be as deserving of good treatment as other people – but not for PAS; our reason for existing is ensuring that prisoners can fully exercise their rights.

It is my privilege to be Chair of Trustees for PAS, I believe that the work we do is fundamental to my belief that we judge our society by the way in which we treat the most vulnerable people. Contrary to popular culture, prisoners are some of the most vulnerable, neglected people in our society, and I am proud to be a part of an organisation that helps to protect them.

My fellow trustees are an impressive group of people, actively engaged with PAS, who energise me whenever I meet with them. However, our numbers have dwindled over the past year, as it can been difficult for people to fit in the demands of being a trustee around their busy lives. We also very sadly lost one of our most long-standing trustees to cancer – he is still sorely missed by us.

If you feel that you could offer your skills and experience, but most importantly your commitment and enthusiasm to our cause, we would be very interested in considering you joining us as a new Trustee.

As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic governance of the organisation and the setting and monitoring of overall policy; refine strategic priorities; agree targets and budgets; evaluate organisational performance and help the organisation fundraise.

Meetings take place quarterly in central London in the evening (with some virtual attendance), with additional attendance requested at Awaydays and PAS’s Annual Lecture and debates.

The Board encourages applications from candidates with disabilities or experience of mental health services, as well as black and minority ethnic applicants and ex-prisoners.

PAS does not accept Home Office or Prison Service money as this may affect its independence.

  Trustees are volunteers, but travel costs and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

The Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) is the only independent registered charity dedicated to offering free legal advice and representation to adult prisoners on their rights and prison rules in England and Wales.

Application Summary:
Are you passionate about social impact, skilled in fundraising, and excited to help empower girls and women in Africa? SheCanDo is looking for a dynamic and strategic individual to lead our Fundraising & Partnerships Team. If you have experience in building donor relationships, writing proposals, and crafting strategies to attract funds and partners — we’d love to have you on board!

Role Description:
As the Fundraising & Partnerships Lead, you will:

• Develop and execute SheCanDo’s fundraising and partnership strategy.

• Research and apply for grants, sponsorships, and funding opportunities.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners.

• Write compelling fundraising proposals and sponsorship pitches.

• Lead and coordinate fundraising campaigns and donor engagement.

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Assistant, Founder, and program teams.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Prior experience in fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, or partnerships.

• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.

• Strong networking and relationship-building ability.

• Leadership mindset and team coordination skills.

Weekly Commitment:
6–8 hours per week (flexible schedule, remote role)

Academy trustees are volunteers. The Charity Commission defines trustees as the people responsible for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run.

The purpose of the board of trustees is to provide:

• Strategic leadership of the academy trust
• Your role is to help set and embed your trust’s vision and strategy, and use these to monitor how the trust and its schools are progressing towards your strategic goals
• Accountability and assurance, meaning the board has robust oversight of the operations and performance of the trust, including education, pupil welfare and finance
• You'll monitor these areas and hold trust leaders to account for performance and compliance in them
• Engagement
• This means your board has strategic oversight of relationships with the trust's stakeholders: parents, pupils, staff, local communities 
• You'll make sure your schools and your trust are communicating with and involving these groups, so that decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement

Responsibilities

• Develop the trust’s vision and strategy
• Establish a culture of high educational standards, which promotes staff and pupil wellbeing
• Set the trust’s strategic aims and objectives
• Make sure all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum
• Monitor provision for pupils with SEND
• Monitor educational performance of the trust’s academies, using a range of data sources
• Ensure stakeholders (parents, pupils, staff and the local community) are informed and consulted as appropriate
• Approve the budget for the academy trust and, where relevant, for academies within the trust
• Monitor and evaluate the trust’s financial performance 
• Approve and review trust policies, and hold staff to account for their implementation
• Ensure the trust is compliant with legal requirements, including that all statutory policies and documents are in place
• Make sure the trust complies with laws that apply to charities and companies, and with its funding agreement
• Carry out the appointment and performance management of the principal/chief executive
• Be a source of challenge and support to the principal/chief executive
• Monitor and evaluate the trust’s staffing structure(s)
• Monitor health and safety in the academy/across the trust
• In a multi-academy trust, work with those involved in local academy governance, supporting and holding them to account

Skills and experience

Essential:

• Critical listening and ability to ask effective questions
• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication
• Problem-solving and analysis

Desirable:

• Understanding of data
• Information Technology expertise 
• HR experience
• Knowledge of education
• Leadership and management skills
• Risk management skills
• Legal expertise, particularly knowledge of charity law
• Marketing and communications skills

Benefits to you

New skills you’ll gain:

• Strategic planning
• Experience on a board
• Holding senior leaders to account and ability to provide challenge
• Finance, and maintaining oversight of potentially multi-million pound budgets
• Analysing data
• Human resources and performance management 
• Project management
• Marketing
• Communication and teamwork
• Decision making
• Problem solving

Time commitment

The time commitment for the trustee role will vary. However, all trustees must attend at least 3 meetings of the full board per year. The term of office is 4 years.

Usually trustees sit on a committee focused on an area they have knowledge of, or are particularly interested in – for example, the finance committee. Committees generally meet up to six times a year.

Preparation for meetings includes reading papers and preparing questions for senior leaders. 

You will also be expected to undertake any training required to enable you to discharge your role effectively.

Additional information

Academies are both charities and companies limited by guarantee. Academy trustees are therefore both charity trustees and company directors, and must comply with company and charity law. 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Asian MS Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Join our innovative motivational video department at the intersection of neuroscience and generative AI technology.

The Role:
Unify Giving is seeking an experienced Product Manager to lead our generative AI video production initiatives. You'll drive our technology roadmap to deliver content that transforms viewers lives.

Key Responsibilities:
•⁠  ⁠Lead product development for our AI-driven video production platform
•⁠  ⁠Define product vision, strategy, and execution plans
•⁠  ⁠Manage the product lifecycle from conception to launch
•⁠  ⁠Analyse user feedback and metrics to continuously improve effectiveness

Requirements:
•⁠  ⁠Experience in product management for generative AI or video production
•⁠  ⁠Demonstrated success delivering AI-powered content creation tools
•⁠  ⁠Passion for creating transformative motivational content
•⁠  ⁠Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills

This is a volunteer position supporting the amazing work we do at Unify Giving, where we're pioneering the future of motivational content that creates meaningful, measurable change in people's lives.

Play a key role in driving forward the University’s mission and strategy

What will you be doing?

The members of the Board of Governors work together to oversee the activities of the University, ensure its long-term future, approve its strategy, and safeguard its good name and reputation. 

We are seeking a new governor with experience, skills or knowledge of one or more of the following areas: 

• Community and region in Northampton, Northamptonshire and/or the surrounding areas
• Finance
• IT

You will work as part of a strong and supportive team of your fellow governors and staff. In return you will build your own professional experience, profile and impact. This may include building new skills which will boost your professional expertise.

The University of Northampton is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to providing an inclusive environment for staff, students, governors and our stakeholders. We believe strongly that having Board members from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds ensures the diversity of thought and rigour of debate which characterises a high-performing Board.  Applications from women, those with global ethnic majority backgrounds, with declared disabilities, and LBGT+ candidates are warmly received.   

In recruiting to the Board, we seek a broad and diverse range of previous professional and personal skills and experiences. Appointments take account of the personal and professional skills and experience of applicants in the context of the overall composition of the Board. 

The role is voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed.   

What are we looking for?

The essential skills are: 

• Either a track record of achievement in a career, or other experience or expertise which would enable you to contribute to the Board
• Experience of creating and implementing strategy in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders    
• Experience, skills or knowledge of one or more of the following:
  • Community and region in Northampton, Northamptonshire and/or the surrounding areas
  • Finance
  • IT 
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner, reaching consensus, debating constructively and accepting collective responsibility   
• Ability to assimilate complex information and use this to offer constructive challenge   
• Demonstrable experience of good practice in equality, diversity and inclusion and the ability to challenge around these issues  
• Excellent communication skills (the ability to participate in constructive debate, express a point of view in an articulate manner and demonstrate critical listening skills)  
• Ability to commit sufficient time to the role   
• Prepared to represent the University in a positive way to internal and external stakeholders 
• Fulfils the criteria for independence  

The desirable skills are: 

• Experience of governance through working on a board or committee 
• Awareness of the operational issues of managing an organisation (including for example leadership, risk management, monitoring performance, business development, customer experience and customer relationship management, marketing, public relations or communications, human resources, law, project management) 

What difference will you make?

As a member of the Board, you can help the University engage with, reflect and respond to the needs of our student, staff and stakeholder communities.  You will be part of an organisation which has social impact as its purpose. The University is an economic engine and a force for social change for the county, the region, and the UK. Our latest Economic Impact Report showed that for every £1 spent running the University, £4 is returned to the economy – a 300% return on investment. 

As the Board sets the strategy, our governors are at the forefront of the development of the University and the trustees and stewards of its long-term future. 

The University relies on its governors to give oversight and to be a critical friend. 

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach. Please submit a CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should outline your suitability for the role with particular reference to the person specification which you will find in the role description. 

The closing date for applications is 30 May. Interviews will take place on 13 June 2025 in person in Northampton. 

If you have any questions about the role or making an application you are very welcome to contact Miriam Lakin via Reach. 

Position Overview:
The Programme Specialist is critical in supporting the delivery of a high-impact employability and skills development programme. Working under the guidance of the Programme Lead, this position focuses on coordinating projects, managing participant engagement, and ensuring the smooth execution of training initiatives, mentorship activities, and job placement efforts. The Programme Specialist directly empowers individuals to achieve workforce readiness and sustainable employment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Coordination:

   • Assist in managing day-to-day activities of the programme, including onboarding, skills assessments, and skills development of participants.

   • Track progress against programme milestones (e.g., participant enrollment and completion rates) and flag delays to the Programme Lead.

2. Participant Support:

   • Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, addressing inquiries and providing guidance on programme resources, training modules, and job search tools.

   • Maintain accurate participant records, including attendance, skill assessments, and post-program outcomes.

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

   • Support the Programme Lead in building relationships with internal stakeholders.

4. Data Management & Reporting:

   • Collect and analyse data on participant progress, employment outcomes, and programme effectiveness using CRM systems or databases.

   • Prepare regular reports for the Programme Lead to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact to funders/stakeholders.

5. Logistics & Compliance:

   • Manage programme materials, including training resources, digital platforms, and participant handbooks.

   • Ensure compliance with programme guidelines, confidentiality policies, and grant reporting requirements.

1. Continuous Improvement:

   • Gather feedback from participants and partners to identify opportunities to enhance programme delivery.

   • Support the implementation of new tools or processes to improve efficiency and participant satisfaction.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Education, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 1–3 years in programme coordination, workforce development, adult education, or a similar role.

  • Experience working with diverse populations, including youth, underserved communities, or career changers.

• Skills:

  • Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with attention to detail.

  • Proficiency in Google products (Forms, Sheets, Docs, Slides) and familiarity with CRM tools.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for engaging participants and stakeholders.

  • Basic data analysis and reporting capabilities.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Could you befriend an asylum seeking or refugee young person? HIAS+JCORE is seeking volunteer befrienders for our transformative JUMP project! As a befriender, you'd meet fortnightly with your young person for at least 12 months, and receive full training and an enhanced DBS check. You'll also get ongoing support from our JUMP project staff.

The difference you'd make

The young people JUMP support might benefit from a befriender because they’ve left their families behind and often feel isolated, bewildered and lonely. Some have no one to talk to. Some want to improve their English. Some would like to get to know London better. The impact made by our befrienders is long-lasting and varies depending on both the befriender and young person's interests. 

What do volunteers get out of JUMP?

• A chance to help people in real need
• The opportunity to ‘give back’
• A new friend
• Increased understanding about asylum and refugee issues and policy 

Skills required

• Able to establish good relationships with young people.
• Able to use a non-judgemental, non-directive approach to working with young people.
• Empathy, sensitivity and patience.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Reliable in making and keeping commitments, including arrangements to meet up.
• Aware of the needs of young people.
• Sympathy for the difficulties that asylum seeking/refugee children and young people face.
• Willing to enhance own awareness of the issues facing asylum-seeking and refugee children/young people through training.
• Aware of safeguarding and child protection issues, and (i) willing to enhance this through JUMP training, and (ii) willing to follow HIAS+JCORE’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Willing to ask for help when uncertain when befriending and to discuss the experience of befriending through regular updates and supervision.

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers will be required to:

• Meet with an unaccompanied asylum seeking or refugee young person fortnightly for at least one year.
• Establish a warm, supportive friendship with the young person within JUMP befriending boundaries.
• Help to build up the young person’s self-esteem and confidence.
• A JUMP befriender will be someone the young person can talk to. They must be prepared to support the young person with a range of possible activities, such as: developing everyday life skills, getting around London, taking part in recreational or educational opportunities, applying for work experience or a job. They should be prepared to offer support with English, and where possible other types of academic work.
• They must make time to travel, if necessary, within London to meet with the young person. While we try to match people who live reasonably close by, this is not always possible, and young people can often have precarious housing situations and move neighbourhoods. It is important to consider the travel time, as well as contact time, potentially involved in befriending.
• A JUMP volunteer should be prepared to enjoy cultural/ sporting activities with the young person, and to take advantage of free entertainment and other opportunities in London.
• They should regularly communicate with the project coordinator after meeting the young person, providing feedback once a month about activities undertaken and to attend supervision face-to-face twice a year.
• They must submit monthly expenses incurred during the activities undertaken with the young person, and immediately alert the JUMP project coordinator or HIAS+JCORE Safeguarding Lead to any safeguarding (child and young person protection) issues.

What is the application process?

After submitting your application, you will be contacted to arrange an informal telephone interview. If all goes well at this stage, we would request two references and get you booked onto a day's training. The training will cover the role of the befriender and offer some more information about the experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee young people. Before being paired with a young person we would also request an enhanced DBS check.